Esto Bates Broughton (January 9, 1890 – November 20, 1956) was an American lawyer, journalist, publicist, and politician, one of the first four women to serve in the California State Assembly when they were elected in 1918.

Broughton, who was sworn into office at age 29, was also the youngest woman ever to serve in the California legislature, until her record was broken in 2002.

[2] Esto Bates Broughton was the first woman lawyer in Stanislaus County, California[3] In 1918 she was the only Democratic woman candidate elected to the California state assembly for the 46th district, and one of the first four women to be elected to the state's legislature, along with Grace S. Dorris, Elizabeth Hughes, and Anna L. Saylor.

[3] While in the legislature, she introduced bills on community property, agricultural irrigation, consumer protection, and jobs for World War I veterans.

[4] She objected to the exploitation of children in motion picture productions, but said she didn't mind "Theda Bara giving the girls lessons in vamping, although I think she carries it too far.